Published May 2025
Streaming Video & Your Internet Plan: What You Need to Know About Data Use
Streaming video is one of the biggest contributors to data usage on your Internet plan. At GoBrolly, we like to call it the “Internet Hog”—and for good reason. Whether you’re binge-watching your favorite show or checking in on your home security cameras, streaming eats up more bandwidth and data than just about anything else.
In this post, we’ll break down what streaming really is, how much data it uses, what kind of speeds you need—and how satellite TV fits into the mix.
What Counts as Streaming Video?
Streaming video is any video you watch over the Internet—on your TV, monitor, tablet, or mobile device. This includes:
• Movies and TV shows on Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video
• Videos on YouTube, TikTok, Facebook
• On-demand content from TV providers
• Live camera feeds from security systems
In tech terms, streaming is the continuous delivery of video files from a server to your device. Instead of downloading the entire video up front, your device receives small pieces (or frames) of the video in real-time.
Does Satellite TV Use Data?
This is a common (and important) question!
- No, if you’re watching live or recorded TV via traditional satellite broadcast (e.g. DirecTV or Dish Network through your satellite dish), it does not use your Internet data. That’s all delivered through the satellite signal.
- Yes, if you’re using On-Demand content, Pay-Per-View, or apps like Netflix or YouTube through your satellite receiver (like Genie or Hopper), those features use your Internet data—just like regular streaming.
If your satellite receiver is connected to your home Internet, and you’re watching content not coming directly from the dish, you’re using data.
How Much Data Does Streaming Use?
Here’s a look at the average size of a 2-hour movie, depending on resolution and frame rate:
Video Quality Frame Rate Data Usage
| Video Quality | Frame Rate | Data Usage |
|---|---|---|
| 4K UHD | 30 fps | 14 GB |
| 1080p HD | 60 fps | 6 GB |
| 1080p HD | 30 fps | 3 GB |
| 720p HD | – | 2 GB |
| SD (Standard) | – | 1 GB |
💡 Pro Tip: Most streaming services allow you to adjust video quality in settings to help manage your data. Click here to learn how.
Daily Streaming Adds Up—Fast
📺 4K Video @ 30fps
• Data: 56 GB/day → ~1,680 GB/month (1.7 TB)
• Speed Needed: 30 Mbps download / 10 Mbps upload
📺 1080p HD @ 60fps
• Data: 24 GB/day → ~720 GB/month
• Speed Needed: 4 Mbps download / 1.5 Mbps upload
📺 1080p HD @ 30fps
• Data: 12 GB/day → ~360 GB/month
• Speed Needed: 4 Mbps download / 1.5 Mbps upload
📺 720p HD
• Data: 8 GB/day → ~240 GB/month
• Speed Needed: 3 Mbps download / 1.5 Mbps upload
📺 SD (Standard Definition)
- Data: 4 GB/day → ~120 GB/month
- Speed Needed: 2 Mbps download / 1.5 Mbps upload
⏳ Why Streaming Buffers (and How to Fix It)
Ever watched a show and suddenly the spinning buffering icon appears? That happens when your device isn’t receiving video frames fast enough to keep up with playback. Your connection slows down, the system pauses to “buffer,” and waits until enough video has loaded.
This usually means your Internet speed isn’t fast enough for the video quality you’re trying to watch.
🎚️ Adjust Your Playback Settings to Save Data
Did you know many streaming apps default to the highest resolution your Internet can handle? That’s great for picture quality—but it’s not always necessary.
Whether you’re letting the kids stream cartoons in the morning, watching the news over breakfast, or streaming music videos in the background while working, you can cut your data use in half (or more) by lowering your video resolution.
Apps like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Prime Video, YouTube, and others allow you to adjust playback settings manually—either per device or per user.
🔧 Click here to learn how to change video quality settings on your favorite apps and devices.
It’s a quick way to stretch your data plan further—and it may help reduce buffering, too.
❌ Say Goodbye to Buffering
When you switch to GoBrolly Internet, buffering becomes a thing of the past. With reliable speeds, responsive support, and local service, we’re here to make sure your streaming experience is smooth, fast, and frustration-free.
📞 Need Help Choosing a Plan?
If you’re not sure what Internet plan you need for your household’s streaming habits, give us a call! We’ll walk you through your options based on how often you stream and what devices you use.
